Flo and Lisi
Two Aiderbichl mini pigs
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
Written by Gisela Pschenitschnig
Flo and Lisi belong to a breed of pig used for experimental purposes. Flo has black spotted skin, Lisi is pink and both have long, soft bristles and are one and a half years old. An animal lover fulfilled her dream of having micro pigs, and so Flo and Lisi came to live with her. Unfortunately, problems arose and Flo and Lisi had to be relinquished. New owners came forward, but then they backed out again. What now?
Animal experiments with mini pigs
In Europe, there are now many breeders of the so-called micro, teacup or mini pigs. They look adorable, even if the reason for breeding them small is less adorable. In the 1940s, breeding of small, manageable experimental pigs for human medical research began in the USA. The mini-pigs required less space, less feed and lower doses of medication for the trials. Due to the growing interest of private individuals, there are now a wide variety of breeds of mini pigs living in people's gardens.
Once a pig always a pig
Mini pigs come in different colours: blond, pink, black, solid or spotted and with long, curly or short bristles. Like the large domestic pigs, the small mini pigs have an excellent sense of smell and also a sense of hearing that does not miss any sound. Mini pigs as well as domestic pigs are at least as intelligent as a dog. They can distinguish familiar people from strangers through their sense of smell and hearing. The language of the large and small bristly animals consists of almost 250 different grunts and squeaks.
Like any domestic pig, the keeping of mini pigs is also subject to legal requirements according to which pig keeping is allowed in private. The animals must be registered, regularly examined by a veterinarian and they need to be allowed to run around. By the way, walking on a dog leash is not an alternative. Mini pigs live in a herd and are not suitable for a solo life. After they smell roots up to 60 cm below the ground, they dig them up and the garden looks accordingly.
Flo, Lisi and Blind Ludwig
Gut Aiderbichl Carinthia became the forever-home for Flo and Lisi. They follow the staff at every turn. All the stables are explored and their cheerful character brings a funny atmosphere to the Carinthian farm. Together with their friend, the blind wild boar Ludwig, they come up with lots of mischief and things really get going. The three friends want to have fun, romp around and enjoy pig life. By the way, Flo, Lisi and Ludwig would be very happy to have sponsors.